Font retrieval apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

Out of a lot of fonts, the desired font is quickly found. For this purpose, out of a plurality of portions constituting a character displayed in a partial image retrieval area, the desired portion is selected. A retrieval area is clicked by a user, to retrieve a font on the basis of the selected portion. A list of the results of retrieval is displayed in a retrieval result area. Even if a font name is not memorized, a desired font can be found.

The present Application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/348,209, filed on Jul. 8, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No.6,687,879.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a font retrieval apparatus, a fontretrieval method, and a recording medium storing a program for fontretrieval, a display device for previewing a font, a display method ofpreviewing a font, and a recording medium storing a program for fontpreview, a character entry device, a character entry method, and arecording medium storing a program for character entry, and a font datalink device and a font data link method.

2. Description of the Prior Art

When a font of a character or a sign is selected, a list of selectablefont names has been conventionally displayed. The name of the font to beused is selected out of the font names whose list is displayed. A usermust memorize a correspondence between a font name and a fontrepresented by the font name.

When the number of selectable font names is small, a correspondencebetween a font name and a font specified by the font name in the mind ofthe user is simple. Therefore, it is possible to accurately select thename of a font to be used.

However, the larger the number of font names whose list is displayed is,the more difficult a correspondence between a font name and a fontrepresented by the font name is to memorize. It is difficult toaccurately select a font the user desires to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to efficientlyretrieve a font.

A font retrieval apparatus according to the first invention ischaracterized by comprising a display device displaying a plurality ofpartial images which represent a characterizing portion of a characterwith a plurality of different fonts, a partial image selecting deviceselecting at least one of the partial images displayed on the displaydevice, and a font output device outputting data representing the fontcorresponding to the partial image selected by the partial imageselecting device.

The first invention also provides a method suitable for theabove-mentioned apparatus. That is, the method comprises the steps ofdisplaying a plurality of partial images which represent acharacterizing portion of a character with a plurality of differentfonts, selecting at least one of the displayed partial images, andoutputting data representing the font corresponding to the selectedpartial image.

Furthermore, the first invention also provides a recording mediumstoring a program for controlling a computer for the purpose of theabove-mentioned font retrieval.

According to the first invention, a list of partial images (Tome, Hane,Harai, Fude-oroshi, or the like) of a character (a character such as analphabetic character, a Hiragana character, a Katakana character, aKanji character or a numeric character, a sign, etc.) is displayed on adisplay screen.

A user selects, from the displayed partial images, the partial imagerepresented by the font to be used. On the basis of the selected partialimage, the corresponding font is retrieved out of the fonts andoutputted.

It is possible to find by retrieval the font to be used from thedisplayed partial images. A font name need not be memorized incorrespondence with a font. Therefore, a desired font can be found.

It is preferable that at least one of a plurality of characterizingportions of the character is selected, and the plurality of partialimages of the selected characterizing portion is displayed. The partialimages corresponding to the plurality of fonts of a desired portion of acharacter is displayed.

A font retrieval apparatus according to the second invention ischaracterized by comprising a storage device storing relationshipbetween a plurality of fonts and a plurality modes of a text (writing)corresponding to the font or fonts, a mode selecting device selecting atleast one of the modes stored in the storage device, and a fontoutput-device outputting a font corresponding to the mode selected bythe mode selecting device.

The second invention also provides a method suitable for theabove-mentioned apparatus. That is, the method comprises the stepsstoring relationship between a plurality of fonts and a plurality modesof a text (writing) corresponding to the font or fonts, selecting atleast one of the stored modes, and outputting a font corresponding tothe selected mode.

Furthermore, the second invention also provides a recording mediumstoring a program for the above-mentioned font retrieval.

In one embodiment of the second invention, the mode of the text(writing) is a kind of text (writing).

According to the second invention, kinds (Article, Report, Letter,Advertisement, Leaflet, Magazine, Manual, etc.) of the text arepreviously stored in correspondence with the font or fonts. When thekind of the text is designated by the user, the font or the fonts areoutputted in accordance with the designated kind of the text.

A font suitable for the kind of the text is found by retrieval withoutbeing designated.

In another embodiment, the mode of the text is the use of a passage,sentence, phrase or clause (text) in a document or a writing.

Uses (Title, Text, Emphasis, Note, Headline, Subhead, Comment,Itemization, etc.) of the text are previously stored in correspondencewith the fonts, to cause the user to designate the use of the text. Afont suitable for the use for the text is found by retrieval inaccordance with the designated use for the text.

A font retrieval apparatus according to the third invention ischaracterized by comprising a storage device storing relationshipbetween a plurality of main fonts and a plurality sub-fontscorresponding to the main font or main fonts, a main font selectingdevice selecting at least one of the main fonts stored in the storagedevice, and a font output device outputting a sub-font corresponding tothe main font selected by said main font selecting device.

The third invention also provides a method suitable for theabove-mentioned apparatus. That is, the method comprising the steps ofstoring relationship between a plurality of main fonts and a pluralitysub-fonts corresponding to the main font or main fonts, selecting atleast one of the stored main fonts, and outputting a sub-fontcorresponding to the selected main font.

Furthermore, the third invention also provides a recording mediumstoring a program for the above-mentioned font retrieval.

According to the third invention, a main font (Mincho, Gothic, etc) isclassified into sub-fonts (Mincho 1, Mincho 2, Mincho 3, Gothic 1,Gothic 2, Gothic 3, etc.).

When a main font is designated, sub-fonts which are included in thedesignated main font are retrieved out of the stored sub-fonts.

The user can relatively simply find, even if he or she does not know thenames of the sub-fonts, the sub-fonts to be used if the user memorizesthe name of the main font.

A font retrieval apparatus according to the fourth invention ischaracterized by comprising a storage device storing relationshipbetween a plurality of fonts and a plurality kinds of retrieval keysclassified into a plurality of groups, the retrieval key beingassociated with the font or fonts, a display device displaying aplurality of retrieval keys for each group, a retrieval key selectingdevice selecting at least one of keys with respect to at least onegroup, and a font output device retrieving and outputting a fontassociated with the retrieval key selected by the retrieval keyselecting device.

The fourth invention also provides a method suitable for theabove-mentioned apparatus. That is, the method comprises the steps ofstoring relationship between a plurality of fonts and a plurality kindsof retrieval keys classified into a plurality of groups, the retrievalkey being associated with the font or fonts, displaying a plurality ofretrieval keys for each group, selecting at least one of keys withrespect to at least one group, and retrieving and outputting a fontassociated with the selected retrieval key.

The fourth invention also provides a recording medium storing a programfor the above-mentioned font retrieval.

In a preferred embodiment, when a plurality of retrieval keys areselected by said retrieval key selecting device, a font which isassociated with all of the selected retrieval keys is retrieved.

In one embodiment of the fourth invention, the groups of the retrievalkeys are at least two groups selected from a group or groups defined bya partial image of a characterizing portion of a character, a group orgroups defined by a mode of a text, and a group defined by a main font,which are described above.

According to the fourth invention, previously stored for each font is aretrieval key (or keys) representing the feature of the font (kinds ofor uses for a sentence or a document or text, partial images of portionsof a character, etc.). The font is retrieved on the basis of theretrieval key. It is possible to find the font on the basis of theretrieval key.

It is preferable that a list of the results of retrieval is displayed byfonts found by the retrieval. The fonts found by the list display can beperceived with the user's eye.

In another embodiment of the invention, the storage device stores datarepresenting a number relating to a font in correlation with each font,and the font output device outputs the selected fonts in the order whichis represented by the numbers corresponding to the retrieved fonts.

The number may be the number of the retrieval keys associated with thefont. The number may be the number of characters entered with the font.Further, the number may be the number of times of use of the font.

The larger the number of retrieval keys associated with a font is, thelarger the number of times of use of a font is, and the larger thenumber of characters entered with a font is, the higher the frequency ofuse of the font by the user is. The user can find a font whose frequencyof use is high without previously memorizing the name of the font.

The fifth invention is directed to a display device for previewing, inorder to confirm a font of a character to be entered, the font,characterized by comprising font selection means for selecting at leastone of a plurality of fonts, character entry means for entering acharacter, and preview control means for previewing the characterentered from the character entry means on a display screen by the fontselected by the font selection means.

The fifth invention also provides a method suitable for theabove-mentioned device. That is, in a display device for previewing, inorder to confirm a font of a character to be entered, the font, themethod comprises the steps of selecting at least one of a plurality offonts, entering a character, and previewing the entered character on adisplay screen by the selected font.

The fifth invention also provides a recording medium storing a programfor the above-mentioned preview.

According to the fifth invention, at least one of the plurality of fontsis selected. The character is entered from the character entry means.The character entered from the character entry means is previewed by theselected font.

The character actually used can be confirmed by the font to be used.

In a display device for previewing, in order to confirm a font of acharacter to be entered, the font, a display device according to thesixth invention is characterized by comprising font selection means forselecting a first font and a second font, first preview control meansfor previewing a character having the first font selected by the fontselection means in a first display area on a display screen, and secondpreview control means for previewing a character having the second fontselected by the font selection means in a second display area differentfrom the first display area on the display screen.

The sixth invention also provides a method suitable for theabove-mentioned device. That is, in a display device for previewing, inorder to confirm a font of a character to be entered, the font, themethod comprises the steps of selecting a first font and a second font,previewing a character having the selected first font in a first displayarea on a display screen, and previewing the character having theselected second font in a second display area different from the firstdisplay area on the display screen.

The sixth invention also provides a recording medium storing a programfor the above-mentioned selected font preview.

According to the sixth invention, the first font and the second font areselected. The character having the font selected by the first fontselection is displayed in the first preview area. The character havingthe font selected by the second font selection is displayed in thesecond preview area.

Since the first preview area and the second preview area exist in thedifferent areas on the display screen, the character having the fontselected by the first font selection and the character having the fontselected by the second font selection can be compared with each otherupon being simultaneously displayed. The desired font can be selectedwhile seeing the characters.

In a display device for previewing, in order to confirm a font of acharacter to be entered, the font, a display device according to theseventh invention is characterized by comprising font list instructionentry means for entering a font list instruction, and list previewcontrol means for previewing, on the basis of the font list instructionentered from the font list instruction entry means, a list of charactersby fonts which can be previewed.

The seventh invention also provides a method suitable for theabove-mentioned device. That is, in a display device for previewing, inorder to confirm a font of a character to be entered, the font, themethod comprises the steps of entering a font list instruction, andpreviewing, on the basis of the entered font list instruction, a list ofcharacters by fonts which can be previewed.

The seventh invention also provides a recording medium storing a programfor the above-mentioned preview.

According to the seventh invention, when the font list instruction isentered, the list of the characters is displayed by the fonts which canbe previewed. Therefore, the font to be used can be determined whileseeing the list.

Desired characters may be entered, and a list of the entered charactersmay be displayed by fonts which can be previewed. A list of the desiredcharacters is displayed by the fonts which can be previewed.

In a character entry device comprising character entry means forentering a character and display control means for displaying thecharacter entered from the character entry means on a display screen ofa display device, a character entry device according to the eighthinvention is characterized by comprising font display priority storagemeans storing the priority for displaying fonts, first entered characterdisplay control means for displaying the character entered from thecharacter entry means on the display screen of the display device inaccordance with the priority stored in the display priority storagemeans, font conversion instruction entry means for entering a fontconversion instruction, and second entered character display controlmeans for displaying, every time the font conversion instruction isentered from the font conversion instruction entry means, the characterentered from the character entry means by the different font on thebasis of the priority stored in the font display priority storage means.

The eighth invention also provides a method suitable for theabove-mentioned device. That is, in a character entry device comprisingcharacter entry means for entering a character and display control meansfor displaying the character entered from the character entry means on adisplay screen of a display device, the method comprises the steps ofstoring the priority for displaying fonts, displaying the enteredcharacter on the display screen of the display device in accordance withthe stored priority, entering a font conversion instruction, anddisplaying, every time the font conversion instruction is entered, theentered character by the different font on the basis of the storedpriority.

The eighth invention also provides a recording medium storing a programfor the above-mentioned font preview.

According to the eighth invention, the priority for displaying the fontsis stored. When the character is entered, the entered character isdisplayed on the display screen by the font determined by the priority.When the font conversion instruction is entered, the font is convertedin accordance with the priority, and the character is displayed by theconverted font. The font can be changed into a desired font even whilethe character is being entered.

By entering the font determination instruction, the font is determined.

It is preferable that the stored priority for displaying the fonts canbe changed. The priority can be changed into a priority desired by theuser.

A font data link device according to the ninth invention ischaracterized by comprising font data storage means storing font datafor displaying characters, retrieval key entry means for entering aretrieval key relating to the feature of a font, and link means forlinking the font data stored in the font data storage means and theretrieval key entered from the retrieval key entry means.

The ninth invention also provides a method suitable for theabove-mentioned device. That is, the method comprises the steps ofstoring font data for displaying characters, entering a retrieval keyrelating the feature of a font, and linking the stored font data and theentered retrieval key.

According to the ninth invention, it is possible to link the font dataand the retrieval key.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the outline of a font retrieval system;

FIG. 2 illustrates the structure of a file stored in a client computer;

FIG. 3 illustrates the electrical configuration of the client computer;

FIG. 4 illustrates the electrical configuration of a server;

FIG. 5 illustrates the relationship between a retrieval item and aretrieval key;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a partial image;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a font link table stored in the clientcomputer;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a font link table stored in the server;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a retrieval key link table stored inthe client computer;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a retrieval key link table stored inthe server;

FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate an example of a font selection window;

FIGS. 15 a to 17 f illustrate a part of the font selection window;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are flow charts showing font retrieval processing;

FIGS. 20 to 25 illustrate the font selection window;

FIGS. 26 a to 27 c illustrate a part of the font selection window;

FIGS. 28 to 31 illustrate the font selection window;

FIGS. 32 a and 32 b illustrate a part of the font selection window;

FIGS. 33 a to 33 c illustrate an example of a single character font listwindow;

FIG. 34 a illustrates a part of the font selection window, and FIGS. 34b to 34 d illustrate an example of a favorite edit window;

FIGS. 35 a to 35 d illustrate an example of the favorite edit window;

FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing the procedure for font data linkprocessing;

FIGS. 37 to 47 illustrate the font selection window;

FIGS. 48 a to 49 c illustrate a part of the font selection window;

FIGS. 50 and 51 are flow charts showing the procedure for font retrievalprocessing; and

FIG. 52 illustrates a text which is being entered and operations at thattime.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(1) Outline of Font Retrieval System

FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of a font retrieval systemaccording to the present embodiment.

The font retrieval system comprises a client computer 1 and a server 30which can establish data communication with each other through anetwork. From a CD-ROM storing a program or the like for font retrieval,the program or the like is installed in the client computer 1.Consequently, the client computer 1 can perform font retrieval.

FIG. 2 illustrates the structure of a file in the CD-ROM. The CD-ROMincludes a program holder storing an execute form program (executionprogram) (a font retrieval program), a link data holder storing fontlink data (a font link table) and retrieval key link data (retrieval keylink table), and a font data holder storing font data for various kindsof fonts (sub-fonts) described later. The font retrieval program may becomposed of not only one program but also a plurality of programs.

The CD-ROM having the file structure shown in FIG. 2 is installed in theclient computer 1, so that the font retrieval program, the font linkdata (table), the retrieval key link data (table), and the font data forvarious fonts are stored in a hard disk HD of the client computer 1.Similarly, the font retrieval program, the font link data (table), theretrieval key link data (table), and the font data for various fonts arealso stored in a hard disk HD of the server 30. These data may betransmitted from the client computer 1 to the server 30, or installed inthe hard disk HD of the server 30 from the CD-ROM.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of theclient computer 1.

The overall operation of the client computer 1 is supervised by a CPU 2.

The client computer 1 comprises a ROM 3, a RAM 4 temporarily storingdata, a VRAM 12 used for displaying an image on a display device 14, anda memory controller 15 for controlling reading of data from the ROM 3and writing and reading of data to and from the RAM 4 and VRAM 12. Imagedata read out of the VRAM 12 is fed to a DA (Digital-to-Analog)converter 13. Accordingly, the image data is converted into an analogvideo signal, and the image is displayed on the display device 14 basedon the along video signal.

A bus controller 5, a memory controller 15, and a timer 16 are connectedto the client computer 1.

Furthermore, a system I/O controller 6 is connected to the clientcomputer 1. Connected to the system I/O controller 6 are a keyboard 7and a mouse 8 for receiving an operation instruction from a user of theclient computer 1, a CD-ROM drive 9 for reading the programs or the likefrom the CD-ROM having the file structure shown in FIG. 2, and an FDdrive 10 for reading from or writing to a floppy disk (FD) ROM, and amodem 11 for connection to the Internet.

An external I/O controller 18 is connected to the client computer 1. Aflat bed scanner 21, a film scanner 22, a digital still camera 23, andan HD drive 24 are connected to the external I/O controller 18. The fontretrieval program and the other data are read by the CD-ROM drive 9 fromthe CD-ROM and are stored in the HD by the HD drive 24. The fontretrieval program and the other data are read out of the HD, to and fromwhich data is writable and readable, by the HD drive 24.

Furthermore, a printer 20 for printing an image, characters or a textand a printer control circuit 19 for controlling the printer 20 arefurther connected to the client computer 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of theserver 30. In FIG. 4, the same components as those shown in FIG. 3 areassigned the same reference numerals and hence, the description thereofis not repeated. In the server 30, a high-speed film scanner 25 isconnected in place of the flat bed scanner 21 connected to the clientcomputer 1.

In this embodiment, there are a plurality of main fonts such as“Mincho”, “Kaisho”, “Kyokasho”, “Gyosho”, “Gothic”, “Maru-gothic”,“Comic” and “Hop”. Each main font includes a plurality of sub-fonts. Forexample, the main font Mincho includes such sub-fonts as “Fuji-mincho”,“FS-mincho”, “FJ-mincho” and “Fx-mincho”. Gothic includes “Fuji-gothic”,“FS-gothic”, “FJ-gothic” and “Fx-gothic”. The font retrieval is aprocessing to finally find one or a plurality of sub-font(s) whichconform(s) to or match(es) with a given font retrieval key(s).

FIG. 5 illustrates the relationship between a retrieval item and aretrieval key.

In the font retrieval system according to the present embodiment,retrieval keys are determined for each retrieval item. The retrievalkey(s) is(are) entered, to find a font(s) conforming to the enteredretrieval key(s).

The retrieval items include partial image retrieval, font nameretrieval, kind (of text) retrieval, use (of text) retrieval, automaticmanagement retrieval, and favorite retrieval.

The partial image retrieval is for designating an image representing aportion (a part) (a partial image) constituting a character to find afont (a sub-font) from the designated partial image. In the partialimage retrieval, “Fude-oroshi”, “Tome”, “Hidari-harai”, “Migi-harai”,“Hidari-hane” and “Migi-hane” are set as the retrieval items, i.e., asthe portions (parts of) (partial image of) the character (especially, aChinese character=Kanji).

A user selects one or a plurality of desired retrieval item(s) out ofthe portions (partial images) “Fude-oroshi”, “Tome”, “Hidari-harai”,“Migi-harai”, “Hidari-hane” and “Migi-hane”. The portions (partialimages) “Fude-oroshi”, “Tome”, “Hidari-harai”, “Migi-harai”,“Hidari-hane” and “Migi-hane” respectively represent the ways of writingthe portions constituting the character (Chinese character), as shown inFIGS. 43 to 46.

As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of portions having different shapeswhich are respectively represented by a plurality of fonts (a pluralitykinds of sub-fonts) are set as retrieval keys for each of the retrievalitems, i.e., “Fude-oroshi”, “Tome”, “Hidari-harai”, “Migi-harai”,“Hidari-hane” and “Migi-hane”. For example, Fude-oroshi 1, Fude-oroshi2, Fude-oroshi 3, Fude-oroshi 4 and so on are set as retrieval keys forthe retrieval item “Fude-oroshi”, Tome 1, Tome 2, Tome 3, Tome 4 and soon are set as retrieval keys for the retrieval item “Tome”. The userdesignates one or a plurality of the retrieval keys.

As to the font name retrieval, various main font names such as “Mincho”,“Kaisho”, “Kyokasho”, “Gyosho”, “Gothic”, “Maru-gothic”, “Comic” and“Hop” are set as retrieval keys. The user designates one of theretrieval keys.

As to the kind-of-text retrieval (kind retrieval), a kind of thesentence or text which is entered by the user is used as a retrievalkey. The kinds for the sentence include “Article”, “Report”, “Letter”,“Advertisement or Leaflet”, “Magazine”, “Manual”, etc. The userdesignates one of the retrieval keys.

As to the use-of-text retrieval (use retrieval), uses for the sentenceclause or phrase or text in one document are used as retrieval keys. Theuses for the sentence (text) in one document, for example, “Title”,“Text”, “Emphasis”, “Note”, “Headline”, “Subhead”, “Comment” and“Itemization” are designated as retrieval keys.

The kind (of text) retrieval and the user (of text) retrieval arealtogether referred as a text retrieval.

The automatic management retrieval includes retrieval based on thenumber of times of use, retrieval based on the number of enteredcharacters, and retrieval based on the number of links.

The retrieval based on the number of times of use is for retrieving afont on the basis of the number of times of use of the font (sub-font).Examples include descending order retrieval for retrieving fonts indescending order of the numbers of times of use of the fonts andascending order retrieval for retrieving fonts in ascending order of thenumbers of times of use of the fonts. The descending order and theascending order are kinds of the retrieval keys. The retrieval based onthe number of entered characters is for retrieving, for each type offont (sub-font), the font on the basis of the number of charactersentered with the font. The retrieval based on the number of links is forretrieving a font on the basis of the number of retrieval keys linked tothe font (the number of retrieval keys related to the font). Thedescending order and the ascending order are used as the retrieval keysin the retrieval based on the number of entered characters and in theretrieval based on the number of links.

The favorite retrieval is for previously registering user's favoritefonts and retrieving a font on the basis of the registration.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a font link table (font link data)stored in the HD of the client computer 1. An unique font ID(Identification) number N is assigned, to each font (sub-font). Storedin the font link table in correlation with the font ID number N are thefont name, the install location where the font data is stored, the filename of the font data, the number of times of use of the font, thenumber of characters entered with the font, the number of the retrievalkeys (number of links) and the retrieval keys (which may be representedby a retrieval key numbers described later) linked to (associated with)the font. With regard to the font data stored in the HD of the clientcomputer 1, the install location is represented by a path (file name),and with regard to the font data stored in the HD of the server 30, theinstall location is represented by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a font link table (font link data)stored in the HD of the server 30. The items included in the table arethe same as those shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a retrieval key link table (retrievalkey link data) stored in the HD of the client computer 1. FIG. 10 showsan example of a retrieval key link table stored in the HD of the server30.

The retrieval key link table is used for finding a font or fonts(sub-font(s)) using the above mentioned retrieval keys (exclusive of thedescending order and the ascending order) and relates the retrieval keyto the fonts (sub-fonts) associated with (linked to) the retrieval key.A unique retrieval key (ID) number M is assigned to the retrieval key.Stored in the retrieval key link table, in correspondence with theretrieval key number M, are the retrieval key (name) and the sub-fontnames (which may be represented by the font ID number) (linked fonts)linked to the retrieval key.

(2) Setting (Entering) of Retrieval Key

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a font selection (retrieval) windowdisplayed on a display screen of the display device 14 in the clientcomputer 1 when a font is selected (found and determined) by fontretrieval.

The font selection window includes the following areas:

Temporary Font Preview Area A61;

The temporary font preview area A61 is an area where a font (a characterrepresented by a font) is temporarily previewed for comparison by theuser clicking a temporary setting (make temporary) area A103, asdescribed later.

Selected Font Preview Area A62;

The selected font preview area A62 is an area where a selected font (thecharacter represented by the selected font) is previewed.

Partial Image Retrieval Area A70;

The partial image retrieval area A70 is an area where an partial imageis entered as the retrieval key in the partial image retrieval, asdescribed above. The area A70 includes an area A71 where the partialimage of “Fude-oroshi” is displayed, an area A72 where the partial imageof “Tome” is displayed, an area A73 where the partial image of“Hidari-harai” is displayed, an area A74 where the partial image of“Migi-harai” is displayed, an area A75 where the partial image of“Hidari-hane” is displayed, and an area A76 where the partial image of“Migi-hane” is displayed. A partial image of a character which has beenselected is displayed in these areas A71-A76. The areas A71-A76 areaccompanied by buttons “CHANGE” for displaying a partial image listwindow described later.

Font Name Retrieval Area A80;

The font name retrieval area A80 is an area where a main font name isdesignated. Sub-fonts included in the designated main font areretrieved.

Text Retrieval Area A82;

The text retrieval area A82 is an area where a kind of text and a use oftext is set. The area A82 includes a kind retrieval setting area A83 anda use retrieval setting area A84. A kind (Article, Report, etc.) of asentence or a text to be entered (or having been entered) is set in thekind retrieval setting area A83. A use (Title, Text, etc.) for thesentence or the text in one document is set in the use retrieval settingarea A84.

Automatic Management Information Area A86;

The automatic management information area A86 is an area for settingsuch that font retrieval is performed on the basis of automaticmanagement information. The area A86 includes an automatic managementarea A87 and a sort area A88. The automatic management area A87 is anarea where it is determined which of retrieval items, that is, thenumber of times of use, the number of entered characters, and the numberof links forms the basis of font retrieval. The sort area A88 is an areawhere the descending order or the ascending order is set.

Preview Character Area A90;

The preview character area A90 is an area where a preview characterdisplayed in the preview area A61 or A62 is displayed.

Temporary Font Area A91;

The temporary font area A91 is an area where a font name of a characterdisplayed in the temporary font preview area A61 is displayed.

Retrieval Result Display Area A92;

The retrieval result display area A92 is an area where the results offont retrieval (sub-font names or characters represented by thesub-fonts) are displayed.

Font Name Display Designation Area A93;

The font name display designation area (button) A93 is an area (button)clicked by the user when the results of retrieval displayed in theretrieval result display area A92 are displayed by font names.

Preview Designation Area A94;

The preview designation area (button) A94 is an area (button) clicked bythe user when the results of retrieval displayed in the retrieval resultdisplay area A92 are previewed by fonts (characters represented byfonts).

Retrieval Mode Setting Area A95;

The retrieval mode setting area (button) A95 is an area (button) clickedwhen a retrieval mode is set by the user.

Registration Mode Setting Area A96;

The registration mode setting area (button) A96 is an area (button)clicked when a registration mode is set by the user.

Favorite Addition Area A101;

The favorite addition area A101 is an area clicked by the user when afont (desired by the user) is added to favorites (favorite font list).

List Display Area A102;

The list display area A102 is an area clicked by the user when a list offonts which can be displayed is displayed by a single character.

Temporary Setting Area A103;

The temporary setting area A103 is an area clicked by the user when afont is previewed in the temporary font preview area A61 for comparisonwith the font displayed in the selected font preview area A 62.

Retrieval Command Setting Area A104;

The retrieval command setting area A104 is an area clicked by the userfor entering a retrieval command.

Registration Command Area A105;

The registration command area A105 is an area clicked by the user forentering a registration command. OK area A106;

The OK area A106 is an area clicked by the user when a selected font isconfirmed or determined.

Cancel Area A107;

The cancel area A107 is an area clicked by the user when the selectedfont is cancelled (not used).

FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate the state of the font selection window in acase where the partial image retrieval key is set.

When the partial image retrieval key is set, a “CHANGE” button areacorresponding to a desired partial image area is clicked by the user, asshown in FIG. 12 (a “CHANGE” area corresponding to “Tome” area isclicked in FIG. 12). A partial image list window A110 appears on thedisplay screen of the display device 14, as shown in FIG. 13, inresponse to the click.

A list of partial images represented by different fonts with respect tothe clicked partial image is displayed in the partial image list windowA110.

Out of the partial images of the different fonts whose list is displayedin the partial image list window A110, the desired font is selected byclicking the desired partial image. The partial image of the selectedfont is displayed in a corresponding partial image display area (here,the area A72) in the partial image retrieval area A70, as shown in FIG.14.

By the foregoing processing, the partial image retrieval key settingprocessing is terminated. It goes without saying that when a pluralityof partial images are set as retrieval keys, the above-mentionedprocessing is repeated.

FIGS. 15 a to 15 c illustrate a part of the font selection window in acase where a font name retrieval key is set.

By pulling down the font retrieval area A80 as shown in FIG. 15 a, apull-down list which includes names of the main fonts is displayed. Asshown in FIG. 15 b, a desired font (a main font name) is selected fromthe displayed pull-down list. As shown in FIG. 15 c, the selected fontis displayed in the font retrieval area A80.

FIGS. 16 a to 16 f illustrate a part of the font selection window in acase where text retrieval keys are set.

By pulling down the kind retrieval setting area A83 as shown in FIG. 16a, a pull-down list relating to kinds of a text is displayed. As shownin FIG. 16 b, a desired kind is selected from the displayed pull-downlist. As shown in FIG. 16 c, the selected kind (Article) is displayed inthe kind-of-text retrieval setting area A83.

Furthermore, by pulling down the use retrieval setting area A84 as shownin FIG. 16 d, a pull-down list relating to uses for the sentence or textin one document is displayed. As shown in FIG. 16 e, a desired use isselected from the displayed pull-down list. As shown in FIG. 16 f, theselected use (Headline) is displayed in the use-of-text retrievalsetting area A84.

FIGS. 17 a to 17 f illustrate a part of the font selection window in acase where font retrieval by automatic management information is set.

By pulling down the automatic management information area A87 as shownin FIG. 17 a, a pull-down list relating to automatic managementinformation is displayed. As shown in FIG. 17 b, desired automaticmanagement information is selected from the displayed pull-down list. Asshown in FIG. 17 c, the selected automatic management information(Number of entered characters) is displayed in the area A87.

By pulling down the sort area A88 as shown in FIG. 17 d, a listrepresenting the descending order or the ascending order is displayed.As shown in FIG. 17 e, the descending order or the ascending order isselected from the displayed list. As shown in FIG. 17 f, the selectedorder (Ascending order) is displayed in the area A88.

(3) Font Retrieval

FIGS. 18 and 19 are flow charts showing the procedure for font retrievalprocessing. The font retrieval processing is for retrieving fontsconcerning font data stored in the hard disk for the client computer 1.

Prior to the font retrieval, at least one retrieval key with respect toat least one retrieval item has been set using the above-mentioned fontselection window. The font retrieval is a processing for finding asub-font (or sub-fonts) each of which is linked to all the set retrievalkeys or key. In order to perform the font retrieval processing, at leastone of (or both of) the font link table (FIG. 7) and the retrieval keykink table (FIG. 9) is used.

The previous result of retrieval (area A92) is cleared prior to the fontretrieval processing (step 41). An internal font number (counter) N₁ fordesignating the font ID number N is reset (step 42). The internal fontnumber N₁ is incremented (step 43). The sub-font name FN having a fontID number N equal to the incremented internal font number N₁ is read outof the font link table in the hard disk for the client computer 1 (step44).

An internal retrieval key number M₁ designating the retrieval key numberM is reset (step 45). The internal retrieval key number M₁ isincremented (step 46). A retrieval key KM having a retrieval key numberM equal to the incremented internal retrieval key number M₁ is read outfrom the retrieval key link table (step 47).

It is judged whether or not the retrieval key KM read out has been set(step 48).

When the retrieval key KM has been set (YES at step 48), it is judged onthe basis of the font link table whether the retrieval key KM and theN₁-th font name FN are linked to each other (step 49). If they arelinked (YES at step 49), it is checked whether the N₁-th font name FNread out is linked to all set retrieval keys, incrementing the internalretrieval key number M₁ (step 51, steps 46-50).

If the N₁-th font name FN read out is linked to all the set retrievalkeys, a font represented by the N₁-th font name FN coincides (matches)with all of the retrieval keys set by the user. The N₁-th font name FNis added to (displayed on) the result of retrieval (the retrieval resultarea A92) (step 52).

If the N₁-th font name FN read out is not linked to one of all the setretrieval keys (NO at step 50), the font represented by the N₁-th fontname FN does not coincide with all of the retrieval keys set by theuser. Therefore, the N₁-th font name FN is not added to the results ofretrieval, and the subsequent font data is read out by incrementing theinternal font number N₁ (No at step 53, and steps 43 and 44).

When check as to whether all the font data stored in the font link tablein the hard disk are linked to the set retrieval keys is terminated (YESat step 53), an automatic management key A (a retrieval key set in theautomatic management area A87) is read out (step 54). When the automaticmanagement key A has been set (YES at step 55), the results of retrieval(sub-font names) are sorted on the basis of the set automatic managementkey A (in the set order of descending order or ascending order) (step56). The sorted results of retrieval are displayed in the retrievalresult display area A92 (step 57). If the automatic management key A hasnot been set, the results of retrieval (a list of the sub-font names)are displayed in the retrieval result display area A92 without beingsorted (step 57).

FIGS. 20 to 25 illustrate an example of the font selection windowdisplayed on the display screen of the display device 14 in the clientcomputer 1.

Referring to the drawings, how a font is retrieved will be specificallydescribed.

First, a retrieval key shall be set such that a kind of a text to beentered (or having been entered) is set to “Advertisement, Leaflet”, andthe sentence or text to be entered (or having been entered) is used fora use “Emphasis” (FIG. 20). It goes without saying that these retrievalkeys are set by pulling down the kind retrieval setting area A83 and theuse retrieval setting area A84, as described above.

The retrieval area A104 is clicked by the user, so that font retrievalprocessing is performed. A font name or font names which are linked toall the set retrieval keys are found, referring to the font link tableor the retrieved key link table (the processing from the step 41 shownin FIG. 18 to the step 53 shown in FIG. 19). Here, no retrieval key isset in the automatic management area A87, so that the results ofretrieval are displayed in the retrieval result area A92 without beingsorted (the processing at steps 54, 55 and 57 shown in FIG. 19) (seeFIG. 21).

Characters represented by a font corresponding to a font name displayedin the uppermost part of the retrieval result area A92 is displayed inthe selected font preview area A62 (the kinds of displayed charactersare predetermined). In the example shown in FIG. 21, “Kaisho 3” isdisplayed as a font name in the uppermost part of the retrieval resultarea A92, so that characters represented by the font “Kaisho 3” aredisplayed in the selected font preview area A62.

Furthermore, partial images represented by a desired font (or fonts) arerespectively set in the “Hidari-harai” area A73 and the “Migi-harai”area A74 in the partial image retrieval area A70 in order to narrow theresults of retrieval down (see FIG. 22). The partial image representedby a desired font is also set by designating a partial image in thepartial image list window A110 appearing by clicking each of the“CHANGE” buttons corresponding to the “Hidari-harai” area A73 and the“Migi-harai” area A74, as described above (FIG. 13).

When the retrieval area A104 is clicked again by the user, fontretrieval processing is performed again, adding the newly set partialimage retrieval keys. The results of retrieval are displayed in theretrieval result area A92. Characters represented by a font of a fontname displayed in the uppermost part of the retrieval result area A92 isdisplayed in the selected font preview area A62 (see FIG. 23). In theexample shown in FIG. 23, “Maru-gothic 3” is displayed as a font name inthe uppermost part of the retrieval result area A92, so that charactersrepresented by the font “Maru-gothic 3” is displayed in the selectedfont preview area A62.

In order to rearrange the results of retrieval in ascending order of thenumbers of entered characters in the past, the number of enteredcharacters and the ascending order shall be respectively set in theautomatic management area A87 and the sort area A88 in the automaticmanagement information area A86 (see FIG. 24).

When the retrieval area A104 is clicked by the user, the font names arerearranged in ascending order of the numbers of characters entered withfonts represented by the font names, and are displayed in the retrievalresult area A92 (see FIG. 25). In the example shown in FIG. 25, the fontfor which the number of entered characters in the past is smallest is“Comic 2”, so that characters represented by the font “Comic 2” isdisplayed in the selected font preview area A62.

FIGS. 26 a to 26 c illustrate a part of the font selection window.

In the present embodiment, preview characters displayed in the selectedfont preview area A62 can be also changed.

As shown in FIG. 26 a, when the preview character area A90 is pulleddown by the user, a pull-down list is displayed. Desired previewcharacters are is selected by the user on the pull-down list displayedas shown in FIG. 26 b. Here, “0123456789” is selected as the previewcharacters. As shown in FIG. 26 c, the selected preview characters aredisplayed with a font found by the retrieval in the selected fontpreview area A62.

FIGS. 27 a to 27 c illustrate a part of the font selection window.

In the present embodiment, preview characters displayed in the selectedfont preview area A62 can be changed into characters desired by theuser.

As shown in FIG. 27 a, a character display window of the previewcharacter area A90 is clicked by the user. Consequently, there arises astate where a preview character can be entered. Characters displayed inthe preview character area A90 is erased, to enter characters desired bythe user from the keyboard 7. As shown in FIG. 27 b, the enteredcharacters are displayed in the preview character area A90. By pressinga line feed key in the keyboard 7 or clicking an area other than thepreview character area A90 using the mouse 8, the entered charactersbecome effective. As shown in FIG. 27 c, the entered characters aredisplayed in the selected font preview area A62.

FIGS. 28 to 31 illustrate an example of the font selection window.

In the present embodiment, characters represented by two different fontscan be simultaneously displayed in the font selection window, i.e., inthe temporary font preview area A61 and the selected font preview area A62.

As described above, the characters represented by the font found by thefont retrieval is displayed in the selected font preview area A62 (seeFIG. 28). Characters represented by a font displayed in the uppermostpart of the retrieval result area A92 by the font retrieval, forexample, the font “Kaisho 3” in the example shown in FIG. 28 has beendisplayed in the selected font preview area A62. In a state where“Kaisho 3” in the retrieval result area A92 is selected, when thetemporary setting area A103 is clicked by the user, “Kaisho 3” is set asa temporary font.

The selected font “Kaisho 3”, is displayed in the temporary font displayarea A91, and the characters represented by the font “Kaisho 3” isdisplayed in the temporary font preview area A61 (see FIG. 29).

A font to be compared with the font of the characters displayed in thetemporary font preview area A61 is then selected by the user. Here, thefont “Gothic 5” and the font “Kaisho 3” shall be compared with eachother.

The font “Gothic 5” is selected by the user out of the font namesdisplayed in the retrieval result area A92 (see FIG. 30). Charactersrepresented by the font “Gothic 5” newly selected is displayed in theselected font preview area A62.

It is possible to directly compare the characters represented by thefont “Kaisho 3” displayed in the temporary font preview area A61 and thecharacters represented by the font “Gothic 5” displayed in the selectedfont preview area A62 with each other.

When the user judges that the font “Kaisho 3” displayed in the temporaryfont preview area A61 is used by comparing the characters represented bythe font “Kaisho 3” displayed in the temporary font preview area A61 andthe characters represented by the font “Gothic 5” displayed in theselected font preview area A62 with each other, the temporary font areaA91 is clicked by the user. Consequently, the font displayed in thetemporary font area A91 is brought into a selected state (see FIG. 31).Thereafter, the OK area A106 is clicked by the user, so that “Kaisho 3”displayed in the temporary font preview area A61 is selected as a fontto be used.

FIGS. 32 a and 32 b illustrate a part of the font selection window.

Although in the above-mentioned example, the results of retrievaldisplayed in the retrieval result area A92 are expressed by font names,the results of retrieval displayed in the retrieval result area A92 canbe also changed into and expressed by characters represented byretrieved fonts.

When the font name display designation button A93 in the font selectionwindow is selected, a list of font names representing retrieved fonts isdisplayed in the retrieval result area A92 (FIG. 32 a). When the previewdesignation button A94 in the font selection window is selected, a listof characters represented by the retrieved fonts is displayed in theretrieval result area A92 (FIG. 32 b). It is possible to find at aglance how the retrieved fonts are.

FIGS. 33 a to 33 c illustrate an example of a single character font listdisplay window appearing on the display screen of the display device 14in the client computer 1.

When the list display area A102 in the font selection window is clickedby the user, a single character font list display window A120, as shownin FIG. 33 a, appears on the display screen of the display device 14.

A list of all fonts representing a single character is displayed in thesingle character font list display window A120 on the basis of all fontdata stored in the hard disk.

The single character font list display window A120 includes a characterentry window A121, a change area A122, and a cancel area A123.

When the single character displayed in the single character font listdisplay window A120 is changed, the character entry window A121 isclicked by the user, as shown in FIG. 33 b. After the characterdisplayed in the character entry window A121 is erased, a desiredcharacter is entered from the keyboard 7.

When the change area A122 is clicked by the user after the desiredcharacter is entered in the character entry window A121, a list of thefonts representing the entered single character is displayed on thebasis of the font data stored in the hard disk (FIG. 33 c).

It is possible to confirm at a glance all the fonts stored in the harddisk.

FIG. 34 a illustrates a part of the font selection window, and FIGS. 34b to 35 d illustrate an example of a favorite edit window appearing inthe font selection window.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to register a font desired bythe user as a favorite font. When the favorite font is added or deleted,the favorite edit window is displayed on the display screen of thedisplay device 14.

Referring to FIG. 34 a, a desired font name is selected out of theresults of retrieval whose list is displayed in the retrieval resultarea A92 in the font selection window. Thereafter, when the favoriteaddition area A101 is clicked by the user, the favorite edit windowappears, as shown in FIG. 34 b, on the display screen of the displaydevice 14.

The favorite edit window includes a favorite list area A131 where a listof user's favorite fonts is displayed (the fonts are displayed in theorder of descending priorities of favorites from the top), a selectedfont area (a font name selected by the user is displayed) A132, anaddition area A133, areas A134 and A135 clicked by the user when thepriorities of favorites are changed, a delete area A136, an OK areaA137, and a cancel area A138.

When the addition area A133 is clicked by the user, the selected fontdisplayed in the selected font area A132 is added as a favorite font,and is displayed in the uppermost part of the favorite list display areaA131 (FIG. 34 c). In an example shown in FIG. 34 c, “Mincho 3” isselected as the selected font, so that “Mincho 3” is displayed in theuppermost part of the favorite list display area A131.

When the priorities of favorites displayed in the favorite list displayarea A131 are changed, the font whose priority is to be changed isselected by the user (FIG. 34 d). When the priority is raised, theupward area A134 is clicked by the user, so that the priority is set toa desired priority (see FIG. 35 a). When the priority is lowered, thedownward area A135 is clicked by the user.

When there is a font to be deleted from the favorite list display areaA131, the font to be deleted is selected out of the fonts displayed inthe favorite list display area A131, and the delete area A136 is clickedby the user (see FIG. 35 b).

If the contents of the edited favorite are acceptable, the OK area A137is clicked by the user (FIG. 35 c). When the contents of the editedfavorite are cancelled, the cancel area A138 is clicked by the user(FIG. 35 d).

(4) Font Link Processing

FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing the procedure for processing for linkinga retrieval key and font.

When the retrieval key and the font are linked to each other, the font Fto be linked to the retrieval key is selected and read out of the harddisk for the client computer 1 (step 91).

An internal retrieval key number M₁ is reset (step 92). The internalretrieval key number M₁ is then incremented (step 93).

A retrieval key KM having a retrieval key number M equal to the internalretrieval key number M₁ is read out (step 94). It is judged whether ornot the retrieval key KM read out and selected font F are linked to eachother (step 95). If they are not linked to each other (NO at step 95),it is judged whether or not the font F is linked to a retrieval key KMhaving a retrieval key number M equal to the subsequent internalretrieval key number M₁, incrementing the internal retrieval key numberM₁ (step 100, step 93, 94, 95). When both are linked to each other, itis judged whether or not the retrieval key KM and the font F havealready been linked to each other (step 96).

If they have already been linked to each other (YES at step 97), theyneed not be newly linked to each other. Therefore, it is judged whetheror not the font F is linked to the retrieval key KM having the retrievalkey number M equal to the subsequent internal retrieval key number M₁,incrementing the internal retrieval key number M₁ (step 100, step 93,94, 95). If they have not linked to each other yet (NO at step 97), theretrieval key KM and the font data F are newly linked to each other(step 98). Specifically, a retrieval key is added to the correspondingfont in the font link table (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Further, the number oflinks to the font data is incremented (step 99). The font is added tothe corresponding to the retrieval key in the retrieval key link table(FIGS. 9 and 10).

The processing from the step 93 to the step 99 is repeated until likesto all the retrieval keys are terminated (step 100).

FIGS. 37 to 46 illustrate an example of the font selection window.

Referring to FIGS. 37 to 46, description is made of a link between fontand a retrieval key.

In order to display a font in the retrieval result area A92, the numberof links and the ascending order are respectively set in the automaticmanagement area A87 and the sort area A88 in the automatic managementinformation area A86 (FIG. 37).

When the retrieval setting area A104 is clicked by the user, font namesrepresenting all the fonts stored in the hard disk for the clientcomputer 1 are displayed in the retrieval result area A92 in ascendingorder of the numbers of links (see FIG. 38).

The name of a font to be linked is then selected from the font namesdisplayed in the retrieval result area A92. Here, “Mincho 3” shall belinked. The font “Mincho 3” is selected by the user (see FIG. 39).

In order to establish a link, the registered mode setting button A96 isclicked, to enter a registration mode (FIG. 40).

A retrieval key to be linked to the font “Mincho 3” is then set. Thefont retrieval area A80 is pulled down, so that “Mincho” is set as aretrieval key to be linked to the font “Mincho 3” (FIG. 41). Further,“Report” and “Text” are set as retrieval keys to be linked to the font“Mincho 3” (FIG. 42). It goes without saying that the retrieval keys,that is, “Report” and “Text” are also selected, after pull-down listsare respectively displayed by pulling down the kind retrieval settingarea A83 and the use retrieval setting area A84, from the displayedpull-down lists.

A desired partial image is then set as partial image retrieval (FIG.43).

When all the retrieval keys have been set, the registration commandsetting area A105 is clicked by the user, so that the link to the font“Mincho 3” is terminated (FIG. 44).

Furthermore, when the retrieval key is linked, the retrieval key is set.For example, when a link to the font “Mincho” is established using kindand use of a text, that is, “Article” and “Itemization” as retrievalkeys, “Article” and “Itemization” are set in the areas A83 and A84 (FIG.45). When the registration command setting area A105 is clicked by theuser, the retrieval keys “Article” and “Itemization” are linked to thefont “Mincho 3” (FIG. 46).

(5) Font Retrieval in Client Computer and Server

Although the above-mentioned font retrieval is performed with respect tothe font stored in the hard disk for the client computer 1, it is alsopossible to take font stored in the hard disk for the server 30 as anobject of font retrieval by setting a destination (a client or server)of font retrieval.

FIG. 47 illustrates an example of the font selection window. FIGS. 48 ato 49 c illustrate a part of the font selection window.

The font selection window shown in FIG. 47 includes a font retrievaldestination setting area A130. The font retrieval destination settingarea A130 includes a font retrieval destination area A131 and a filename setting area A132.

The font retrieval destination setting area A130 is utilized by the userwhen a destination of retrieval of font is set. It is possible todetermine using the font retrieval destination area A131 whether thefont stored in the hard disk for the client computer 1 is taken as anobject of retrieval or the hard disk for the server 30 which cancommunicate with the client computer 1 is taken as an object ofretrieval. Further, it is possible to set a file name to be an object ofretrieval using the file name setting area A132.

The destination of font retrieval is set using the font retrievaldestination area A131 in the following manner.

The font retrieval destination setting area A130 is pulled down.Consequently, a pull-down list appears (FIG. 48 a). A name representinga desired destination of retrieval is selected from the pull-down list(here, an URL name is selected; FIG. 48 b). When the selection isterminated, the selected name is displayed in a display window of thefont retrieval destination area A131 (FIG. 48 c).

It is possible to also set a desired destination of retrieval that doesnot exist in the pull-down list by entry from the user. The displaywindow of the font retrieval destination area A131 is clicked by theuser (FIG. 48 d). Consequently, a text is allowed to be entered usingthe keyboard 7. A desired name (a path name, etc.) is entered by theuser (FIGS. 48 e and 48 f).

The file name setting area A132 is pulled down by the user.Consequently, a pull-down list appears (FIG. 49 a). A desired file nameis selected from the pull-down list by the user, so that a file name ata destination of retrieval of font is set (FIGS. 49 b and 49 c). Font isretrieved in a file having the set file name.

FIGS. 50 and 51 are flow charts showing the procedure for processing ina case where font retrieval is also performed with respect to the fontstored in the hard disk for the server 30 in addition to the font storedin the hard disk for the client computer 1.

A retrieval destination key K is first read out by the user (step 61).If the retrieval destination key K is not entered from the user (YES atstep 62), font retrieval based on the font data stored in the hard diskfor the server 30 is not performed. Therefore, the font retrieval isperformed in the client computer 1 in the procedure for processing shownin FIGS. 18 and 19, as described above (step 64). The result ofretrieval obtained by the font retrieval is read out (step 65), and isdisplayed in the retrieval result display area A92 in the font selectionwindow (step 72).

When the retrieval destination key K is entered from the user, it isjudged whether it is a file path (step 63) or a URL (step 66).

If the retrieval destination key K is the file path, this indicates thatfile retrieval based on the font stored in the hard disk for the clientcomputer 1 is performed, so that the font retrieval is performed in theclient computer 1 (step 64). If the retrieval destination key K is theURL, this indicates that font retrieval based on the font stored in thehard disk for the server 30 is performed, so that data representing theretrieval key set in the font selection window is transmitted from theclient computer 1 to the server 30 (step 67).

When data representing the retrieval key transmitted from the clientcomputer 1 is received in the server 30 (step 81), font retrievalprocessing is performed on the basis of the font stored in the hard diskfor the server 30 on the basis of the received retrieval key (step 82).The font retrieval processing in the server 30 is also performed in thesame manner as the font retrieval processing in the client computer 1shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

When the font retrieval processing is terminated in the server 30, datarepresenting the result of retrieval is transmitted from the server 30to the client computer 1 (steps 83 and 84).

On the other hand, also in the client computer 1, the font retrieval isperformed on the basis of the retrieval conditions set in the fontselection window (step 68). The result obtained by the retrieval is readout (step 69).

Both a font obtained as a result of the font retrieval in the clientcomputer 1 and a font obtained and received as a result of the fontretrieval in the server 30 (step 70) are obtained as the results ofretrieval (step 71). The results of retrieval are displayed in theretrieval result area A92 in the font selection window displayed in thedisplay device 14 in the client computer 1 (step 72). It is possible toalso retrieve the font stored in the server 30 which can communicatewith the client computer 1.

For example, a font name “FJ-Comic” (=the result of client retrieval Sc)shall be obtained as a result of the font retrieval in the clientcomputer 1, and font names “FJ-Mincho, FJ-Gothic, FJ-Comic” (=theresults of server retrieval Ss) shall be obtained as a result of thefont retrieval in the server 30. As the results of retrieval,“FJ-Mincho, FJ-Gothic, FJ-Comic” (=the results of retrieval Sc U Ss) aredisplayed.

(6) Sequential Font Conversion

FIG. 52 illustrates a text which is being entered using the keyboard 7in the client computer 1 and operations at that time.

In the present embodiment, the font of a part of the text which is beingentered can be changed into a font different from the font of the textwhich is being entered.

In the first step during entry of the text shown in FIG. 52, “

” is entered, and a font is set to “Mincho” in the text entered in thefirst step.

In the second step, “

” is entered (an underlined part indicates an undetermined state). Inthe second step, a Kanji conversion key in the keyboard 7 is pressed, sothat the text part in the undetermined state is converted into Kanji (orKatakana).

In the third step, the Kanji conversion key in the keyboard 7 is pressedagain, so that Kanji (or Katakana) in the text part in the undeterminedstate is determined. In the third step, Kanji is determined as “

” in the text part in the undetermined state.

In the fourth step, a font conversion key in the keyboard 7 is pressed,so that the font of the text part in the undetermined state isconverted. As the font conversion key is pressed, the font of the textpart in the undetermined state is converted and displayed.

In the fifth step, when a font determination key in the keyboard 7 ispressed, the font of the text part in the undetermined state isdetermined. Therefore, Kanji conversion and font conversion areterminated, so that an underline indicating the undetermined statedisappears, as shown in the sixth step.

The font which changes every time the font conversion key is pressedwill conform to the order of favorites, as described above.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

1. A font retrieval apparatus comprising: a display device displaying aplurality of partial images which represents a characterizing portion ofa character with a plurality of different fonts; a portion selectingdevice for selecting at least one of a plurality of characterizingportions of the character, said display device displaying the pluralityof partial images of the characterizing portion selected by said portionselecting device; a partial image selecting device selecting at leastone of the partial images displayed on said display device; and a fontoutput device outputting data representing any font corresponding to thepartial image selected by said partial image selecting device.
 2. Thefont retrieval apparatus of claim 1, wherein said font data comprises atleast one of: a font identification name; and one or more characters asrepresented in a format of said font.
 3. The font retrieval apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein characters are simultaneously presentable in two ormare font formats, thereby allowing a comparison of said two or morefonts.
 4. The font retrieval apparatus of claim 2, further comprisingone or more of: a selector to choose at least one of said fontidentification name and a representation of at least one character in afont; a selector allowing a single character to be displayed indifferent fonts; and a font link table to store said font data and arelationship between said fonts and said partial images.
 5. The fontretrieval apparatus of claim 1, wherein more than one of said pluralityof characterizing portions of the character are selected for derivingsaid font information.
 6. A font retrieval method comprising the stepsof: displaying a plurality of characterizing portions of characters;selecting one of said plurality of characterizing portions; displaying aplurality of partial images which represents the selected characterizingportion with a plurality of different fonts; selecting one of thedisplayed partial images; and outputting data representing any fontcorresponding to the selected partial image.
 7. A machine-readablemedium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructionsexecutable by a digital processing apparatus to perform a method ofretrieving font information, said method comprising: displaying aplurality of characteristic portions of characters; allowing a selectionof at least one of the displayed characteristic portions; displaying aplurality of partial images of a character, each said partial imagerepresenting a portion of said character as represented in a differentfont in said selected characteristic portion; allowing a selection of atleast one of the displayed partial images; and outputting datarepresenting information of any font corresponding to the selectedpartial image.
 8. A font information retrieval apparatus comprising: afont link table storing a relationship between a plurality of fonts anda plurality of retrieval keys, said retrieval keys being classified intoa plurality of groups, said relationship defining an association betweenthe retrieval keys and the fonts; a display device displaying aplurality of retrieval key groups, wherein one said retrieval groupincludes a plurality of retrieval keys to allow selection of one or morecharacteristic portions of characters for displaying partial images of acharacter, each partial image illustrating a characteristic of saidcharacter as represented in at least one said font; a retrieval keyselecting device to allow selecting at least one of said plurality ofretrieval keys in said first group; and a font output device retrievingand outputting a font information associated with the retrieval keyselected by said retrieval key selecting device.
 9. The font retrievalapparatus according to claim 8, wherein said font output deviceretrieves, when a plurality of retrieval keys are selected by saidretrieval key selecting device, font information for each of a fontwhich is associated with all of the selected retrieval keys.
 10. Thefont information retrieval apparatus of claim 8, wherein a second groupof said plurality of retrieval keys is displayed when one of first groupof retrieval keys is selected, each retrieval key of said second groupbeing associated with each said partial image.
 11. A font retrievaldevice, comprising: a font link table storing information about aplurality of fonts, each said font having one or more features; aplurality of retrieval keys, each said retrieval key being related toone of said features, at least one retrieval key for indicating partialimages of a character, each partial image representing a portion of acharacter that serves to illustrate a characteristic of said characteras represented in at least one said font; a retrieval key entry devicefor allowing a retrieval key to be entered; a registration key forallowing a registration command to be entered; and a link device forlinking a font stored in said font link table to a retrieval key enteredfrom said retrieval key entry device and storing the link relation insaid font link table when said registration command is entered.
 12. Afont information retrieval method using partial images of a character,said method comprising: storing a relationship between a plurality offonts and a plurality of retrieval keys classified into a plurality ofgroups, said relationship defining an association, if any, between eachsaid retrieval key and one or more of said fonts; displaying a pluralityof retrieval keys for at least one said group; wherein said plurality ofgroups comprises a first group of retrieval keys associated with aplurality of portions of characters; selecting one of said first groupof retrieval keys to display at least one partial image of a character,each said partial image comprising a portion of a character that servesto illustrate a characteristic of at least one said font, each saidpartial image being respectively associated with a second group ofretrieval keys; selecting one of said retrieval keys in said secondgroup; and retrieving and outputting data for each of any fontassociated with the selected retrieval key from said second group.
 13. Afont data link method using partial images, said method comprising:storing a plurality of fonts; entering a retrieval key relating to afeature of one of said stored fonts, wherein at least one retrieval keyrelates to at least one partial image of a character, each said partialimage comprising a portion of said character that serves to illustrate acharacteristic of said stored font; linking the one of said plurality offonts to the entered retrieval key; and storing the link.
 14. A computerreadable recording medium storing a program for controlling a computerin order to retrieve font information, the program controlling theComputer so as to: store a relationship between a plurality of fonts anda plurality of retrieval keys, said retrieval keys being classified intoa plurality of groups, said relationship defining an association betweenthe retrieval keys and said fonts, wherein said plurality of groupscomprises partial images of a character, each said partial imagecomprising a portion of a character that serves to illustrate acharacteristic of at least one said font; display a plurality ofretrieval keys for allowing a selection of one of a plurality ofcharacteristic portions of characters; allow a selection of one of saidplurality of retrieval keys to display partial images associated withsaid selected characteristic portion; allow a selection of one of saidpartial images; and retrieve and output a font information for any of afont associated with the selected partial image.
 15. A font informationretrieval apparatus comprising: a font link table stored in a memory,said font link table storing a relationship between a plurality of fontsand a plurality of features attributable to said fonts, wherein saidplurality of features comprises: partial images of a character, eachsaid partial image comprising a portion of a character that serves toillustrate a characteristic of at least one said font; and acharacteristic portion of characters associated with said partialimages; and a comparator receiving an input query, said input queryincluding one of said partial images and one of said characteristicportions, said comparator determining which entries in said font linktable match said input query.
 16. The font retrieval apparatus of claim15, further comprising: a plurality of font retrieval keys, each saidfont retrieval key associated with one of said features, said inputquery being formed from selections of said font retrieval keys by auser.
 17. The font retrieval apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:a font output display receiving as input the output of said comparatorand displaying a font information.
 18. A method of font retrieval,comprising: establishing a font link table in a memory, said font linktable storing a relationship between a plurality of fonts and aplurality of features attributable to said fonts, wherein said pluralityof features comprises partial images of a character, each said partialimage comprising a portion of a character that serves to illustrate acharacteristic of at least one said font, and characteristic portions ofcharacters that are associated with said partial images; and providing acomparator to determine which entries in said font link table match aninput query, said input query including at least one of said partialimages and one of said characteristic portions.
 19. The method of claim18, further comprising: providing a plurality of font retrieval keys,each said font retrieval key being associated with one of said pluralityof features; forming said input query from a selection of one or more ofsaid plurality of font retrieval keys; and displaying a font informationfor any entry that matches said input query.
 20. A computer-readablemedium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructionsexecutable by a digital processing apparatus to perform a method of fontretrieval based on partial images of a character, said methodcomprising: establishing a font link table in a memory, said font linktable storing a relationship between a plurality of fonts and aplurality of features attributable to said fonts, wherein said pluralityof features comprises at least partial images of a character, each saidpartial image comprising a portion of a character that serves toillustrate a characteristic of at least one said font, andcharacteristic portions of said character having said partial images;and providing a comparator to determine which entries in said font linktable match an input query, said input query including at least one ofsaid partial images and one of said characteristic portions.